一杯
ippai[ip̚pa̠i]
ippai is the Japanese phrase for a full glass or cup of a drink.
Depending on the context, ippai can mean 'one cup' or 'full/filled'. It is also used to describe having 'a lot' of something, such as a place being full of people.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the number one (一) and the counter for small cylindrical containers (杯).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb meaning 'full' or 'a lot', it is often written in hiragana (いっぱい) rather than kanji (一杯).
How do you pronounce it?
ippai
Did you know?
- People often use ippai to describe an emotional state, such as being 'full' of gratitude or 'full' of anxiety. In these cases, it describes a heart overflowing with feeling rather than a physical object.
- When used to mean 'as much as possible', ippai shifts from describing a container to describing an action or a physical limit, such as running 'with all one's might'.
- While the word is written 一杯, the pronunciation of the counter 杯 shifts between hai and pai depending on the number that precedes it.
Examples in context
- 私のコップは水でいっぱいです。My cup is full of water.
- コンサートホールはワクワクしたファンでいっぱいです。The concert hall is full of excited fans.
- 私の皿はおいしい料理でいっぱいだ。My plate is full of delicious food.
- 公園はピクニックを楽しんでいる家族でいっぱいだ。The park is full of families enjoying picnics.
- コーヒーを一杯いただけますか。kōhī o ippai itadakemasu ka.Could I have a cup of coffee?
- 麦茶を一杯飲みました。mugicha o ippai nomimashita.I drank a cup of barley tea.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are sitting in a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは何を飲みますか。Misaki-san wa nani o nomimasu ka.What will you drink, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misaki紅茶を一杯お願いします。Kōcha o ippai onegaishimasu.One cup of black tea, please.
- 陽太 Yota分かりました。すぐ持ってきますね。Wakarimashita. Sugu motte kimasu ne.Understood. I will bring it right away.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、陽太さん。Arigatō, Yōta-san.Thank you, Yota.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 一杯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
